1. SURVEILLANCE OF ADULT MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA:
CULICIDAE) IN THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
OF BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY LA TRINIDAD,
BENGUET
Monica S. Gambican
2. Background of the Study
• Mosquitoes are small flying insects belonging to order Diptera and family Culicidae.
• There are well over 3,000 species and subspecies of mosquitoes in the world. Many
species of mosquitoes are rarely encountered and seldom pose a threat to the health
or well being of humans and domestic animals.
• However, other species are abundant, frequently encountered, and readily attack
people, their pets, and their livestock (Resh and Carde, 2009).
3. Background of the Study
• Mosquitoes are known vectors responsible for the transmission of diseases which
contribute to mortalities worldwide.
• In the Philippines, cases of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and
filariasis are still being reported annually. Among the mosquito-borne diseases,
dengue is considered to be the most important disease in the world (Dash et al.,
2012) and in the country (Mistica et al.,, 2019).
• In Benguet, a total of 2,357 dengue cases were reported from January 1 to July 30
last year and the municipality of La Trinidad recorded the highest number of cases
among its municipalities (Cawis, 2022).
4. Significance of the Study
• Mosquitoes are distributed worldwide and can be found around human dwelling and
in school environment (Lapang et al., 2019) or in any environment as long as there
are artificial containers that can serve as their breeding habitats (Su et al., 2012)
which gives a high risk of students being bitten by mosquitoes.
• As the College of Agriculture accommodates hundreds of students, they are
vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases which may negatively affect the academic
performance as they may miss their lectures and academic activities due to
hospitalization.
5. Significance of the Study
• The results of this study can be used to determine the probable diseases that these
mosquitoes can bring and as basis in choosing or developing appropriate preventive
and control measures to protect the students.
6. Objectives
1 Identify the species of mosquitoes present in the area
Data gathered:
• Species of mosquitoes collected
2 Determine the abundance of mosquitoes in the area
Data gathered:
• Number of mosquitoes collected
7. Methodology
Study Area
• The study was conducted in the College of Agriculture of Benguet State University located at
Km 6, La Trinidad, Benguet.
• The college is a 3-story building. At the back of the building are crop fields. Several plant
species can also be found in its surrounding as well as in the middle of the building. In front are
roadsides and dense residential houses.
8. Methodology
Mosquito Collection
• Mosquitoes were collected indoors.
• Four (4) rooms per floor were randomly selected for collection.
• A selected room for this study was defined as any space confided with walls so
comfort rooms and faculty rooms were also included aside from the academic
classrooms.
• The collection was done mid-morning to target those that bite or feed during
the day since classes also commence during the day.
• An insect net and hand catches were used during the collection.
9. Methodology
Mosquito Collection
• A fixed sampling duration of 15 minutes per room was observed.
• Mosquitoes caught were placed in containers and brought to room AC 109 for
identification and counting thereafter.
• Some of the mosquitoes were stored in small vials with 70% alcohol until all
were identified.
10. Methodology
Identification of Mosquitoes
• Mosquitoes were sorted out and morphologically identified based on their
morphological features with the aid of a dissecting microscope and pictorial
identification keys by Rueda (2004) and Ramos (1970) and World Health
Organization (2020).
11. Results and Discussion
Mosquito Species Collected in the College of Agriculture
• There were four mosquito species that were identified in the College of Agriculture building which
comprises of the following: Culex pipiens (Figure 1.A), Culex quinquefasciatus (Figure 1.B) and Aedes
aegypti (Figure 1.C)
16. Results and Discussion
Mosquito Species Collected in the College of Agriculture
• The collection was dominated by Culex pipiens with a total number of 37 (80.43%) adults followed by
Culex quinquefasciatus with 7 adults (15.22%) as shown in Figure 2.
• The least number of species out of the entire collection is the Aedes aegypti which recorded 2 (4.35%)
adults.
• As noted by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (n.d), breeding sites of Culex mosquitoes are
often in waters polluted by organic debris such as rotting vegetation or human and animal excrement
but also man-made containers such as tin-cans, bottles or storage tanks. During the survey period,
there were drums with water in the comfort rooms which served as breeding sites of these mosquitoes.
17. Results and Discussion
Mosquito Species Collected in the College of Agriculture
• Likewise in faculty rooms, some ornamental plants are placed in containers with water. The presence of
these breeding sites predominantly contributed to the abundance of Culex spp. This result also coincide
with the study of Ombugada et al. in 2020 where Culex species dominated the collection in a University
which has a proximity to dense residential houses where a lot of breeding sites are available thereby
making it very easy for the Culex mosquitoes to successfully breed and fly to the university
environment.
18. Results and Discussion
Mosquito Species Collected in the College of Agriculture
• The number of Aedes aegypti collected was quite low during the survey.
• This group of mosquitoes has been known to breed very well in shallow water bodies and domestic
containers (WHO, 2002).
• This result suggests that the College is keeping out artificial containers such as bottles and plastic
containers that can contain water and become breeding sites of this group of mosquito.
• Moreover, there has been a low record of rainfall in the areas and thus artificial containers had slim
chances of being filled with water.
20. Results and Discussion
Abundance and Distribution of Mosquitoes
• Majority of the collection was from the ground floor of the building which comprises of 33 (71.74%)
adult mosquitoes as presented in Table 1.
• The least number of adult mosquitoes collected was noted on the ground floor followed by the second
floor with 4 (8.70%) and 9 (8.70%) adult mosquitoes, respectively.
• The high number of adult mosquitoes on the ground floor may be attributed to the availability and
proximity of their breeding areas to the site since several plants and plastic containers are located in
the middle and just near the walls of the ground floor which can serve as their breeding places.
21. Results and Discussion
Abundance and Distribution of Mosquitoes
• According to the University of Kentucky (n.d.),
mosquitoes tend to occur near from their breeding
site.
• Moreover, the ground floor provides a more suitable
microclimate to the mosquitoes because most of the
rooms are near tall plants and is situated just before
another building making the rooms darker. This
coincides with the findings of Alberto et al. (2022) that
mosquitoes are very much attracted to black colors
and so they tend to find dark and shady areas for
resting.
22. Conclusion
• There were three mosquito species that were identified in the College of
Agriculture Building in Benguet State University representing two genera: Culex
(Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus) and Aedes (Aedes aegypti). Culex
pipiens was the most abundant species.
• The highest number of mosquitoes was recorded on the first floor of the
building.
23. Recommendation
• Elimination of breeding sites around and within the building is recommended.
• Containers with water where ornamental plants are placed must be replaced if
possible.
24. References
• Su G, Beronilla A, Yao K. Water quality and Aedes larval mosquito abundance in Caloocan City, Philippines.
Dengue Bull. 2012 Dec; 36:187-93.
• Dash AP, Bhatia R, Kalra NL. Dengue in South-East Asia: An appraisal of case management and vector control.
Dengue Bull. 2013; 36:1-13.
• Mistica, M., V. Ocampo, A. Bertuso, F. Alzona and E Magsino. 2019. A Survey of Mosquito Species in Public
Schools of Metro Manila, Philippines Using Ovitraps as Surveillance Tool. Acta Medica Philippina. 53(4)
• Cawis, R. 2022. Benguet records spike in dengue cases; public urged to practice 5S. Philippine information agency.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/2022/08/22/benguet-records-spike-in-dengue-cases-public-urged-to-practice-5s
• Rueda, Leopoldo. 2004. Pictorial keys for the identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) associated with
Dengue Virus Transmission. Zootaxa Vol 589 No. 1
25. References
• Lapang PM, Ombugadu A, Ishaya M, Mafuyai MJ, Njila HL, et al. (2019) Abundance and Diversity of Mosquito
Species Larvae in Shendam LGA, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria: A Panacea for Vector Control. Journal of
Zoological Research 3(3): 25-33.
• Mullen, G. and L. Durden. 2019. Medical and veterinary entomology. 3rd Ed. Elsevier Inc.
• Edman J. and B. Eldridge. 2009. Medical Entomology: A textbook on public health and veterinary problems caused
by arthropods. Kluwer Academic Publishers. Dordrecht, Netherlands.
• Carde, R. and V. Resh. 2009. Encyclopedia of Insects. 2nd Ed. Elsevier Inc.
• University of Kentucky. N.d. Mosquitoes: Practical Advice for Homeowners.
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef005#:~:text=The%20most%20effective%20way%20to,even%20up%20to%20sever
al%20miles.
• WHO. (2002). Dengue Fever and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever Prevention and Control. Geneva: WHO.
Editor's Notes
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
Several studies have demonstrated the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi for controlling mosquito vectors (Charnley and Collins, 2007), as an effective and environmentally safe strategy. Since one of the mode of action of entomopathogenic fungi is mediated through surface contact with adult mosquitoes, these agents would be applicable to a variety of deployment strategies, some of which are already in use for chemical insecticides (Scholte et al., 2005; Farenhorst et al., 2011).
The ability to regulate mosquito population through consumption is a basis of consideration for considering predatory insects as biological control agent against mosquitoes. While use of predatory insects favors sustenance of ecosystem functions and biological integrity of the community, prey selectivity and indirect interactions are important determinants of the efficacy of the mosquito regulation (Kundu et al., 2014).
